Bridgnorth (123) lost to Astwood Bank (176-9) by 53 runs

The visitors made a positive start with the bat after Cricket Meadow skipper Mark MacPherson-Lees won the toss, as former Gloucestershire wicketkeeper batsman Steve Adshead continued to torment Bridgnorth's bowlers, having scored 160 in the earlier encounter this season.

Now back to playing 50-over, win-lose cricket for the rest of the season, bowlers are once again limited to 10 overs each, so it was crucial for the Cricket Meadow men's change bowlers to perform. Missing regular opening bowlers Jamie Brown, to injury, and Tom Weaver, it was left to experienced county men James Ralph and Dave Exall (1-15) to provide the initial breakthroughs, with Ralph (1-38) claiming the key wicket of Adshead for 43.

Sam Whitney (1-26) continued his excellent form with the ball this year by keeping things tight from one end, whilst Toby Hughes made a welcome return to Cricket Meadow, and impressed with 1-39. However, MacPherson-Lees stole the headlines for the hosts by taking 5-26 from his 10 overs, limiting Astwood Bank to 176-9 from 50 overs.

The run-chase started solidly with Shropshire pair Ralph (28) and Ryan Lockley (24) putting on 49 for the 1st wicket, and Bridgnorth were looking well set at 78-1 in the 18th over. However, quick wickets saw Bridgnorth take drinks at 88-4 after 25 overs, with the game in the balance, especially considering the hosts lower order have rarely been required to weigh in with runs in recent weeks.

A lack of practice and form was ruthlessly exposed. Exall (29) was the only other man to pass 20, and the last seven batsmen were only able to contribute 12 runs between them, as the Cricket Meadow men were reduced to 123 all out after just 35 overs.

Now sitting fifth in BDPCL Division Three, and 22 points behind the promotion places, Bridgnorth face a crucial Bank Holiday weekend. Travelling to basement side Penn on Saturday, followed by neighbours Quatt on Bank Holiday Monday, a maximum return of 40 points will surely be needed to maintain the challenge to reach Division Two in 2015.